Light pollution: A landscape-scale issue requiring cross-realm consideration

Author(s):  
Mariana Mayer-Pinto ◽  
Theresa M. Jones ◽  
Stephen E. Swearer ◽  
Kylie A. Robert ◽  
Damon Bolton ◽  
...  

Terrestrial, marine, and freshwater realms are inherently linked through ecological, biogeochemical and/or physical processes. An understanding of these connections is critical to optimise management strategies and ensure the ongoing resilience of ecosystems. Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a global stressor that can profoundly affect a wide range of organisms and habitats and impact multiple realms. Despite this, current management practices for light pollution rarely consider connectivity between realms. Here we discuss the ways in which ALAN can have cross-realm impacts and provide case studies for each example discussed. We identified three main ways in which ALAN can affect two or more realms: 1) impacts on species that have life cycles and/or stages on two or more realms, such as diadromous fish that cross realms during ontogenetic migrations and many terrestrial insects that have juvenile phases of the lifecycle in aquatic realms; 2) impacts on species interactions that occur across realm boundaries, and 3) impacts on transition zones or ecosystems such as mangroves and estuaries. We then propose a framework for cross-realm management of light pollution and discuss current challenges and potential solutions to increase the uptake of a cross-realm approach for ALAN management. We argue that the strengthening and formalisation of professional networks that involve academics, lighting practitioners, environmental managers and regulators that work in multiple realms is essential to provide an integrated approach to light pollution. Networks that have a strong multi-realm and multi-disciplinary focus are important as they enable a holistic understanding of issues related to ALAN.

Author(s):  
Сергій Олегович Ареф’єв

The paper covers the current issues of counteraction to constantly arising crisis phenomena in the process of using the enterprise potential. For about 15 years the efforts to comply with legislation have been steadily rising, and more and more emphasis is paid to various aspects of corporate social responsibility. There is a wide range of activities, such as increasing employee awareness, creating a management system to prevent abrupt changeover, a solid corporate structure and timely disclosure of information, as well as managing the organization as an integration of its potentials. Adaptive monitoring is viewed as a critical component in finding and controlling the reserves for further utilization of enterprise resources in the context of developing its long-term strategies. Building the subsystems for change management strategies can form the basis for creating anti-crisis potential. However, there is another barrier to the process of adaptation which is a vulnerable internal environment. Apparently, the goals of the chosen strategies in each of the business areas are not always announced, and this can increase the entropy level within the enterprise, creating threats and hazards that give rise to crisis phenomena. From a dynamic perception, adaptive management concept involves the construction of a decomposition of its possible implementation scenarios subject to the type of threats to enterprise performance and characteristics of its potentials. The search for the development models that can retain the enterprise resources is a fundamental challenge for its operation in the future. It is about facilitating the transition from product economy to the system economy, from a dissipative approach to resources to an adaptive management practices, to a cultural leap towards economic and environmental sustainability that should affect the entire society, from strengthening of the territory and cooperation among all stakeholders to gain the resource utilization efficiency beyond renewable energy, starting with raw materials and local waste management to create an integrated technology network and from a number of integrated technologies, from deindustrialized territories reconstruction towards new relationships between agriculture, industry and academia, conducting local case studies to test the effects of innovations, thus boosting the process of transforming the research results into new pilot projects.


PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pakkanut Bansiddhi ◽  
Janine L. Brown ◽  
Chatchote Thitaram ◽  
Veerasak Punyapornwithaya ◽  
Chaleamchat Somgird ◽  
...  

Background Elephant camps are among the most attractive destinations in Thailand for tourists from many countries. A wide range of management strategies are used by these camps, which can have varied impacts on health and welfare of elephants. Methods This study surveyed 33 camps with 627 elephants in northern Thailand to quantify the types of management practices and work activities experienced by captive elephants. The survey consisted of an interview with camp owners, and direct observations of camp operations. Results Data revealed considerable variation in elephant demographics, work activities, elephant care (i.e., housing, restraint, nutrition, health care, and breeding), and mahout management among the camps. In general, older camps (those in existence for >16 years) were involved in more intensive activities, like riding with saddles and shows. By contrast, newer camps provided more one-on-one activities for tourists and elephants, and emphasized more intimate, relaxing experiences (e.g., feeding, bathing, walking) than entertainment. A demographic shift also was observed, with elephants 20 years of age and younger having a sex ratio closer to 1:1 compared to elephants in older age categories (1:4.1–1:9.8). Discussion Shifts in elephant management to less intensive activities were observed, which could have positive implications for elephant welfare. The shifting sex ratio suggests successful captive breeding is resulting in the birth of more males, which could present new welfare challenges in the future, because bulls can be more difficult to manage and socialize, and are more likely to be kept isolated during musth. Ultimately, the goal is to understand how camp activities affect welfare, and to develop science-based guidelines and standards to aid in the management of both male and female elephants used in tourism.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariaelena Huambachano ◽  
Lauren Cooper

In the midst of climate change, population growth, and global food crisis scenarios, efforts to succeed in Sustainable Land Management (SLM) implementation are under enormous pressure. To contextualize Indigenous experiences on nature valuation in light of sustainable development efforts, we explored how the traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of two Indigenous communities interacted with major land policies with sustainability implications through an ethnographic and community-based participatory research approach. Data collection tools included talking circles, storytelling, unstructured interviews, and participant observation with Indigenous community members of Shimaa and Diamante to understand how two major land management policies intersect in SLM, Indigenous values, TEK, and rights in the Peruvian Amazon. In complementation with secondary literature assessing the focal policies, the empirical data analysis, through a lens of TEK, provides a deeper examination of Indigenous peoples’ ways of knowing. Research findings show that TEK of Indigenous peoples can support values of nature and shape the design and implementation of SLM policies by incorporating Indigenous peoples’ holistic values of nature (e.g., relational and intrinsic values) and methods for sustainable and equitable land management, with improved outcomes for communities. However, the TEK of Indigenous peoples, values of nature, and rights can be at odds with the Eurocentric-oriented SLM in terms of values placed on nature, and results in a disconnection between international and national policy goals with realities at the local levels. This study concludes that to fully realize the objectives of SLM, it is imperative for decision makers to recognize the TEK of Indigenous peoples rooted in a holistic understanding of the multiple values attributed to nature, which resonates with the notion of a plural approach to valuing nature. Further, methods should include land management practices that are beneficial for such communities and not strictly for the production of goods for societal consumption, however long it may be sustained into the future. Such a management scheme would value ecologic stability, community resilience, and a wide range of human-nature values while still recognizing development needs.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris J. Topping ◽  
Lars Dalby ◽  
Jose W. Valdez

AbstractIncreasing concerns over the environmental impacts of agriculture in Europe has led to the introduction of agri-environment schemes (AES) to help mitigate biodiversity loss. However, effectiveness of AES has been mixed and only partially successful in achieving desired outcomes. To improve effectiveness and reduce high costs, multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) can help support decision-making and determine the most effective management action. Although MCDA has great potential for evaluating policy measures, it rarely considers the context-dependency of species responses to management practices across different landscapes. Landscape simulations can, therefore, be valuable for reducing the uncertainties when predicting the consequences of management actions. A potential suitable simulation system is the Animal, Landscape, and Man Simulation System (ALMaSS), a mechanistic simulation with can improve MCDA with the automatic integration of a species ecology and behaviour and landscape context. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of ALMaSS in evaluating AES management practices across different landscapes and estimate their ability to achieve the proposed conservation outcomes of three typical species of conservation interest. In this study, the effect of a particular management strategy on a species was dependent on the landscape context, in our case, a combination of landscape structure and the type and distribution of farms, and varied depending on the metrics being measured. Although we did not aim to make recommendations of particular management strategies, we demonstrate how simulations can be used for MCDA to select between management strategies with different costs. Despite the complexity of ALMaSS models, the simulation results provided are easy to interpret. Landscape simulations, such as ALMaSS, can be an important tool in multi-criteria decision making by simulating a wide range of managements and contexts and provide supporting information for filtering management options based on specific conservation goals.


1998 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 87-94
Author(s):  
P. J. Thome ◽  
M. Herrero

AbstractThis paper discusses some of the unique aspects of the interactions of livestock with the natural resources base. It argues the nature of these interactions make the use of a systems approach of particular importance when planning and executing livestock research if it is to be of any relevance to farmers in developing countries. The key issues are illustrated in two contrasting case studies.In Nepal, shifts in land use patterns have led to marked changes in the availability and use of fodder resources. Farmers indicate that they are no longer able to use these optimally. Fodder from at least 90 different types of tree (some of which have yet to be properly classified botanically) are used to supplement the diets of buffalo, cattle and goats during dry seasons when food is in short supply. The nutritive value of each of these is affected by a wide range of management and environmental factors. Furthermore, diet selectivity means that fractions consumed differ markedly amongst both tree species and classes of livestock. It is clearly not feasible for researchers to evaluate this diversity using existing in vitro or in vivo indicators of nutritive value. Initial studies suggest that this variability is implicitly catered for in farmers' own assessments of relative nutritive values. A mechanistic understanding of this indigenous technical knowledge and the development of appropriate techniques for integrating it with models of the biological responses of animals to nutrients might, therefore, allow more effective assessment of strategies for tree fodder utilization.Highland dairy systems in the humid tropics of Costa Rica (3000+ mm/year rainfall) could be very productive but suffer from a substantial dependence on imported inputs. Concentrate use is very high causing substantial underutilization of grazed pasture (the local resource), which is available year-round under these high-rainfall conditions. Over-supplementation with protein, which is the most expensive nutrient in the diet, at levels in excess of 200% of the requirement has been reported widely in these regions. Farmers want new strategies that enable them to manage their land and other resources in an alternative way, in order to be less dependent on grains and other imports. A decision-support system based on simulation and multiple criteria models representing a dairy farm has enabled the design and development of such strategies. Using this approach, farmers' objectives can be incorporated with a holistic understanding of the farming system in terms of management practices that will permit demand-driven animal production research at the farm level.


HortScience ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 572f-572
Author(s):  
J.M.S. Scholberg ◽  
B.L. McNeal ◽  
J.W. Jones ◽  
S.J. Locascio ◽  
S.R. Olsen ◽  
...  

Modeling the growth of field-grown tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) should assist researchers and commercial growers to outline optimal crop management strategies for specific locations and production systems. A generic crop-growth model (CROPGRO) was previously adapted to simulate the growth of fresh-market tomato under field conditions. Plant growth and development of field-grown tomato, and fruit yields, will be outlined and compared to model predictions for a number of locations in Florida, nitrogen fertilizer rates, and irrigation management practices. Possible application of the model to quantify effects of crop management on crop production will be discussed using simulated yield values for a wide range of environmental conditions.


2009 ◽  
Vol 60 (11) ◽  
pp. 1196 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. J. Kroon ◽  
J. Brodie

Globally, many coastal ecosystems are threatened by a decline in water quality from land-based runoff. However, dynamic and complex biophysical and socioeconomic interdependencies often hamper the reversal of this decline in water quality. This Special Issue illustrates an integrated approach to address deteriorating water quality from land-based runoff in the Tully basin to the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia. Nitrate was identified as the key pollutant, and was mainly derived from sugarcane and banana farms. To achieve GBR water quality targets for chlorophyll a, the dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) load needs to be reduced by at least 80%. Modelling shows that financially beneficial changes to management of sugarcane results in a 50% reduction in DIN load. However, larger reductions would come at a significant cost. An adaptive approach is proposed as a framework to assess (i) the efficacy of implementing the recommended management practices, and (ii) progress against set targets. Quantification of linkages between catchment management and coastal ecosystem health will help inform management strategies based on ecosystem performance measures. Verification of the efficacy of existing and exploration of innovative management strategies, as well as spatial and temporal prioritisation of their implementation, remain critical to achieve coastal ecosystem rehabilitation, including water quality improvement.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgiana-Emmanuela Gîlcă-Blanariu ◽  
Smaranda Diaconescu ◽  
Manuela Ciocoiu ◽  
Gabriela Ștefănescu

Micronutrient deficiencies are common in inflammatory bowel disease and have clinical impact, being both a sign of complicated disease and a cause of morbidity. The involved systemic inflammatory response is responsible for altering the concentration of a wide range of trace elements in the serum, including zinc and selenium. This review summarizes recent advances and evidence-based knowledge regarding the impact of selenium and zinc on oxidative stress and microbiota changes in IBD patients. Getting new insight into the impact of malnutrition, particularly on the micronutrients’ impact on the development, composition, and metabolism of microbiota, as well as the influence of oxidative stress and the mucosal immune response, could help in implementing new management strategies for IBD patients, with focus on a more integrated approach.


2016 ◽  
Vol 283 (1833) ◽  
pp. 20160813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard H. ffrench-Constant ◽  
Robin Somers-Yeates ◽  
Jonathan Bennie ◽  
Theodoros Economou ◽  
David Hodgson ◽  
...  

The ecological impact of night-time lighting is of concern because of its well-demonstrated effects on animal behaviour. However, the potential of light pollution to change plant phenology and its corresponding knock-on effects on associated herbivores are less clear. Here, we test if artificial lighting can advance the timing of budburst in trees. We took a UK-wide 13 year dataset of spatially referenced budburst data from four deciduous tree species and matched it with both satellite imagery of night-time lighting and average spring temperature. We find that budburst occurs up to 7.5 days earlier in brighter areas, with the relationship being more pronounced for later-budding species. Excluding large urban areas from the analysis showed an even more pronounced advance of budburst, confirming that the urban ‘heat-island’ effect is not the sole cause of earlier urban budburst. Similarly, the advance in budburst across all sites is too large to be explained by increases in temperature alone. This dramatic advance of budburst illustrates the need for further experimental investigation into the impact of artificial night-time lighting on plant phenology and subsequent species interactions. As light pollution is a growing global phenomenon, the findings of this study are likely to be applicable to a wide range of species interactions across the world.


2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan W. McCreery ◽  
Elizabeth A. Walker ◽  
Meredith Spratford

The effectiveness of amplification for infants and children can be mediated by how much the child uses the device. Existing research suggests that establishing hearing aid use can be challenging. A wide range of factors can influence hearing aid use in children, including the child's age, degree of hearing loss, and socioeconomic status. Audiological interventions, including using validated prescriptive approaches and verification, performing on-going training and orientation, and communicating with caregivers about hearing aid use can also increase hearing aid use by infants and children. Case examples are used to highlight the factors that influence hearing aid use. Potential management strategies and future research needs are also discussed.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document